Pre-wean Mortality

Pre-wean mortality is a measure of the number of piglets that did not survive during the suckling period. The inverse of this is commonly referred to as piglet survival rate. Pre-wean mortality results from either non-infectious or infectious factors. Non-infectious reasons are deaths due to overlaying and crushing by the sow, starvation, chilling, emaciation and stress, whereas infectious reasons are scouring or diarrhoea, pneumonia and other illnesses. Antibiotic usage to overcome pre-wean mortality may increase the risk of antibiotic resistance which presents a major challenge to piglets and their future health and performance. The target pre-wean mortality of <10% can be attained with improved stockmanship, sow nutrition, sanitation and hygiene.